Nissan Repair: Tail lights, brake light switch, nissan maxima

Question
My tail lights are out on my 1997 Nissan Maxima. I almost got a ticket. The brake lights work and the headlights works.  I've changed the bulbs on both sides, but still nothing.  What can it be and is it something that I can fix myself?  I am thinking a fuse but I don't know.  Sometimes when I first turn my car on in the morning my radio stations are all blanked out and I have to reset them.  Also, I no longer get a warning ding, ding, ding when my headlights are left on as I exit the car.  Is it all related?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Angela -

You are on the right track! Because of the other electrical issues you are experiencing, I suspect it is the fuse. Yes, it is something you can replace. Locate the fuse box under the dash on driver's side. There should be a couple rows of plastic plug looking items of different colors. Looking on the back cover as a guide, or in your manual, find the "brake" or "stop" fuse. Pull it out and check the metal bar going across the top of the fuse. If it is broken, then replace the fuse.

If it isn't, then get back to me, could then be the brake light switch above your brake pedal.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin